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Project Brays Fact Sheet
Brays Bayou
Located in southwest Harris County, the Brays Bayou watershed covers approximately 128 square miles, seven cities and several unincorporated areas, with a total population in excess of 700,000. Brays Bayou is nearly 31 miles long, starting just west of Highway 6 and flowing east to its mouth at the Houston Ship Channel.
Overview
Project Brays (also known as the Brays Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project) is a cooperative effort between the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Designed to reduce the risk of flooding and flood damages, Project Brays is one of the largest, most extensive projects managed by HCFCD. Many neighborhoods and areas will benefit from Project Brays, including Bellaire, Houston, Southside Place, West University Place, Meadows Place, Missouri City and unincorporated areas of Harris County, as well as the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo.
Project Tools
Encompassing more than 70 individual projects, Project Brays uses a collaborative approach with many techniques to reduce flooding. Three major techniques include channel modifications, bridge modifications and the construction of stormwater detention basins.
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Channel Modifications - Approximately 21 miles of Brays Bayou will be modified. Modifications include 18 continuous miles of channel widening, beginning at the mouth of Brays Bayou and moving west to Fondren Road, and 3 miles of channel deepening beginning at Old Westheimer Road and extending upstream to Highway 6. Both modifications will increase the amount of stormwater the bayou is able to carry. |
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Bridge Modifications - To accommodate channel widening, modifications to approximately 30 bridges along Brays Bayou are required. The bridges will be replaced or modified to reduce obstructions and allow additional stormwater flow. |
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Stormwater Detention Basins - Four stormwater detention basins are being excavated to collectively store nearly 3.5 billion gallons of stormwater and cover about 900 acres. |
Benefits
Working within a framework of community and natural values, Project Brays will positively contribute to the quality of life of people who live and work along Brays Bayou by reducing the risk of flooding. Project Brays also brings much needed green space and recreational amenities to communities along Brays Bayou through strategic partnerships.
Funding
The total cost of Project Brays will be approximately $500 million. Upon completion of certain approved components within the overall project, HCFCD can be reimbursed by the federal government for 50 to 75 percent of the completed cost. The Corps’ participation and Congressional support is essential for Project Brays to receive federal funding. This partnership allows HCFCD to leverage local dollars and expedite the implementation of the project.
Schedule
Since 1994, construction on Project Brays has focused primarily on the excavation of the four stormwater detention basins. To date, these facilities can already collectively store more than one billion gallons of stormwater. In 2005, channel modifications began on a 3-mile upstream channel segment between Old Westheimer Road and Highway 6. Construction began on the first downstream channel segment, from the mouth of Brays Bayou to Lawndale, in May 2006. For a complete listing of active projects, visit www.projectbrays.org.
Environmental Values
HCFCD has many programs that preserve, restore and create natural habitats threatened by flooding. Habitats vary from wetlands to groves of trees that provide an environment for birds and other wildlife. Most of the natural habitats are created in the stormwater detention basins, but channel modifications also are designed to respect the natural environment.
Community Values
Project Brays observes community values by designing projects that are aesthetically pleasing. These designs are enhanced by landscaping of bayou parkways and greenways. Along the channels, trees are planted at the top of the channel slopes. In stormwater detention basins, trees and shrubs are planted to achieve habitat enhancement and open-space to accommodate human activities.
Public Involvement
HCFCD recognizes that public awareness and participation are important to the success of Project Brays. An outreach program is underway to ensure that community members have a good understanding of the project and are kept informed through local community meetings, newsletters, direct mail, the website and regular e-mail updates.
For More Information
Please call the Project Brays Hotline at 713-316-4820 or contact us via e-mail. For information on other projects throughout the county, contact the Harris County Flood Control District.
> View Printable Version (PDF, 124KB, 11/19/2008)
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